You have decided to give the Paleo Diet a try, but need a very clear Paleo foods list to ensure that what you put in your mouth is acceptable to the plan. Following is a detailed list by food category that can serve as a convenient reference. Note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to be a handy list to get you started, but you may be able to dig out other Paleo foods by reading blogs or picking up a book on the subject.
Paleo Foods: Meats/Fish/Seafood
Try to stick with lean cuts of meat, since saturated fat is now linked to heart disease and stroke. Remember, cooking was limited in the Paleolithic era, so stick with very basic cooking methods without a lot of oil or other added fats. These Paleolithic era foods can be left out or modified for vegetarians or vegans. The Paleo Diet can be enjoyed by everyone today, so don't feel confined to these lists.
- Lean Beef (hamburger, steaks, veal, London broil)
- Pork Loin or Chops
- Chicken Breast
- Game Hen Breast
- White Meat Turkey
- Rabbit Meat
- Goat Meat
- Organ Meats
- Game Meat
- All Fish Varieties
- Clams
- Crab
- Lobster
- Crayfish
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Scallops
- Shrimp
Paleo Foods: Fruits/Berries
Acceptable Paleolithic era foods include all types of fruits and natural berries. This is far from a comprehensive listing of what is allowed on the Paleo Diet, but it will give you some ideas of fruits and berries you can try. Experiment with foods you have never tried before, such as using cranberries to sweeten your foods and fruit salads as a sweet substitute for sugary foods.
- All Citrus Fruits
- Natural Growing Berries (strawberry, blackberry, gooseberry, etc.)
- Apples
- Nectarines
- Papaya
- Peaches
- Plums
- Persimmon
- Grapes
- Melons
- Pomegranate
- Rhubarb
- Watermelon
- Apricot
- Banana
- Cherries
- Passion Fruit
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Figs
- Guava
- Kiwi
- Mango
Paleo Foods: Vegetables/Roots
The Paleo Diet excludes potatoes and other tuber vegetables that are starchy. Look through the foods list to get some ideas for vegetables you may have never tried before.
- All Green Leafy Vegetables
- All Variety of Peppers
- Brussels Sprouts
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Eggplant
- Onion
- Mushroom
- Pumpkin
- Radish
- Squash
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Dandelion
- Endive
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Tomato
Paleo Foods: Nuts/Seeds
If you are on the Paleo Diet to lose weight, don't go overboard with the nuts. They are a great source of healthy fat, but they also pack more calories than fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians can use these to get more nutrients in their diet.
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Pine Nuts
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Brazil Nuts
- Chestnuts
- Macadamia Nuts
- Unsalted Pistachios
- Sesame Seeds
- Walnuts
Paleo Foods: Miscellaneous
- Duck, Goose, Chicken Eggs (6 per week only)
- Limited Canola Oil (4 T or less each day, all oils combined)
- Flaxseed or Flaxseed Oil
- Olive Oil
- Limited Dried Fruit (preferably without sugar)
